India Location Chapter 1 – CLASS 11TH NOTES in a short
📍 India – Location (Class 11 Geography, NCERT)
🌏 Position
- South Asia, Northern Hemisphere.
- N–S: 3,214 km, E–W: 2,933 km.
📐 Extent
- Latitudes: 8°4′ N → 37°6′ N
- Longitudes: 68°7′ E → 97°25′ E
- Southernmost point: Indira Point (6°45′ N) 🌊
📏 Area & Rank
- 3.28 million sq km
- 7th largest in the world 🌍 (≈ 2.4% of Earth’s land)
🌊 Coastline
- Mainland: 6,100 km
- With islands: 7,517 km
🗻 Indian Subcontinent
- Bounded by: Himalayas (N), Hindu Kush (NW), Purvachal Hills (NE), Indian Ocean (S)
- Includes 🇮🇳 🇵🇰 🇳🇵 🇧🇹 🇧🇩
🤝 Neighbours
- NW: Pakistan, Afghanistan
- N: China, Nepal, Bhutan
- E: Bangladesh, Myanmar
- S (Sea): Sri Lanka, Maldives
📊 Border Lengths with Neighbours
Largest land border: 🇧🇩 Bangladesh – 4,096 km 🏆
Smallest land border: 🇦🇫 Afghanistan – 106 km
⏰ Time
- Longitudinal extent: ~29° → 2 hr difference E to W
- IST: 82°30′ E (+5:30 hrs from GMT)
🌿 Physical Diversity
- Himalayas, fertile plains, plateau, desert, islands → varied climate & lifestyle
Chapter 1 – India: Location
NCERT Exercise – Attractive & Detailed Format BY TINA VARMA
1. Multiple Choice Questions ✅
- Which one of the following latitudinal extent is relevant for the extent of India’s area?
Answer: (b) 8°4′ N – 37°6′ N - Which one of the following countries shares the longest land frontier with India?
Answer: (a) Bangladesh - Which one of the following countries is larger in area than India?
Answer: (a) China - Which one of the following longitudes is the standard meridian for India?
Answer: (b) 82°30′ E
2. Short Answer Questions (≈ 50 words each)
Q1. Does India need to have more than one standard time? If yes, why do you think so?
Answer:
Intro: India’s longitudinal extent is about 29°, creating a 2-hour time difference between east and west.
Reasons:
- 🌅 Geographic reality: Sun rises earlier in east (Arunachal Pradesh) than west (Gujarat).
- ⏱ Multiple zones: Could match daylight patterns better.
- ⚖ Practical choice: One IST (82°30′ E) avoids confusion in transport, communication, and administration.
Conclusion: Multiple zones are possible geographically, but single IST is better for national unity.
Q2. What are the implications of India having a long coastline?
Answer:
Intro: India’s coastline is 6,100 km (mainland) and 7,517 km including islands.
Implications Table:
| Aspect | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Trade & Ports | Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata boost import–export. |
| Fisheries | Livelihood for coastal communities. |
| Climate | Moderate temperatures in coastal states. |
| Tourism | Goa, Kerala attract domestic & foreign visitors. |
| Defence | Naval bases strengthen maritime security. |
Conclusion: The coastline is vital for economy, culture, and strategic strength
ALTERNATE ANSWER
India’s mainland coastline is about 6,100 km, and including islands, the total coastline is 7,517 km.
Coastal advantages:
- Trade and Ports: Easy access to international trade routes.
- Fisheries: Rich marine resources and livelihood for millions.
- Tourism: Popular beaches and coastal cities attract tourists.
- Climate Moderation: Coastal areas have moderate temperatures.
- Strategic Defence: Naval bases and maritime security.
.
Q3. How is the latitudinal spread of India advantageous to her?
Answer:
Intro: India extends from 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N, covering tropical & subtropical zones.
Advantages:
- 🌦 Climate variety: Tropical south, temperate north.
- 🌾 Agriculture: Rice, coconut in south; wheat, maize in north.
- 🌿 Biodiversity: Different forests and wildlife.
- 🏔 Tourism: Snow in Himalayas, beaches in Kerala.
Conclusion: This spread enriches India’s natural diversity, economy, and lifestyle.
Q4. While the sun rises earlier in the east, say Nagaland, and also sets earlier, how do the watches at Kohima and New Delhi show the same time?
Answer:
Intro: East–west sunrise times differ by ~2 hours.
Explanation:
- Single Indian Standard Time based on 82°30′ E longitude is used nationwide.
- Prevents confusion in train, flight, and office timings.
- Supports unity in administration and communication.
Conclusion: One time zone keeps the entire nation synchronized despite geographic differences.
